Decorating together is one of the biggest challenges facing a new couple - the combination of conflicting tastes and so many different style choices to choose from could be a recipe for disaster.
Planning and talking about the style and composition of your décor before you decorate will help avoid any conflict at a later phase during the decorating process.This is according to Ryan Beattie from La-Z-Boy, who says fortunately, it only takes a bit of planning and a few key tips to ensure your decorating experience is fun, easy and successful.
Beattie shares tips on how to decorate peacefully as a couple…
1. Be open to discussion
The most important part of decorating as a couple is planning and discussion.
According to Beattie, planning and talking about the style and composition of your décor before you decorate will help avoid any conflict at a later phase during the decorating process. He says it will also ensure that decorating as a couple can be an easy and enjoyable process.
Things to consider include your budget, layout, essentials and nice-to-haves. It is also a good idea to divide the tasks up evenly so neither partner feels like they’re doing more work than the other.
Recliners and lounge suites are a prime example of how a single style can appeal equally to both sexes.2. Mix and match your styles
It’s important to remember that as a couple you both bring your own unique styles to the space you will be sharing. Mixing and matching elements of both of your styles will help bring a personal touch to your décor, and will ensure that both partner’s personal styles are being represented.
Mixing and matching sentimental pieces that reflect each partner’s personality is important, as it will make the space feel homier.
Beattie says remember that when incorporating personal pieces into a space, it’s advisable to only use pieces that add to the style you’re trying to achieve, rather than cluttering the space up with random sentimental pieces.
Both partners need to be present when shopping and should have a clear style plan, which will be beneficial in helping to create a cohesive end result.
While it is a good idea to keep the walls impartial, this isn’t a hard and fast rule; if partners can agree on a non-neutral colour they like, this can be an option too.3. Make room for neutral territory
There are a few aspects of design that should be kept gender-neutral. Not only will this help the space from becoming too masculine or too feminine, but it will also make the space a great canvas for adding personal touches.
“Deciding which parts of your décor should be kept neutral is quite easy as it relates to anything that stands as a big feature in the space, such as a wall or big pieces of furniture for example.”
When it comes to couches, choosing something that is both comfortable and stylish is a must. Recliners and lounge suites are a prime example of how a single style can appeal equally to both sexes. The fact that this motion furniture is super comfortable will apeal to the men, while the modern designs will appeal to the ladies.
A neutral lounge suite which is neither too feminine nor masculine can suit both partners and is a perfect example of a gender-neutral choice.
Making choices, and sometimes sacrifices, that make the space more enjoyable and reflect you as a couple versus you as an individual, can sometimes be difficult, but in the greater scheme of things, a small compromise now will often lead to an amazing space later.Beattie says wall colour is another important thing to keep neutral, and organically neutral tones such as whites, beiges, stones and greys are believed to be the most gender neutral. While it is a good idea to keep the walls impartial, this isn’t a hard and fast rule; if partners can agree on a non-neutral colour they like, this can be an option too.
Neutral choices are also great for any design element that causes conflict or where a mutual decision can’t be reached, he says.
4. Make clever compromises
While you might not particularly like your boyfriend’s old band posters and he might not like your obsession with vintage ornaments, it’s important to remember that both parties can bring their own unique style and flare to any space.
And while being able to incorporate a bit of everyone’s style is first choice, unfortunately, it isn’t always an option, says Beattie.
Making choices, and sometimes sacrifices, that make the space more enjoyable and reflect you as a couple versus you as an individual, can sometimes be difficult, but in the greater scheme of things, a small compromise now will often lead to an amazing space later, he explains. It’s important to remember that you’re creating a space that both of you need to be able to love and call home.
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